I cannot go to sleep without reaching out to you and telling you how incredible of an experience it was this evening being in the audience of Children of Eden.  [My daughter] and I both are not familiar with the show...and we love, love, loved it! The talent was amazing, amazing; the story? Well, no words.  Hit home to both my daughter and me. Very moving, and the cast portrayed it beautifully! Thank you SO VERY MUCH for an incredible show! Thank you to all involved, the incredible talent, to the incredible dedication. You could see it 110% on that stage! You can see and hear that a lot of heart went into the production and it affected the audience immensely! Thank you, again, for an evening that both my daughter and I will never forget!"

Participant Testimonials

I have done three shows at Aspire and so far, it has been a great journey. I love working with all the people and how nice they treat each and every cast member. Thanks to Lisa for making these shows happen because without her, we wouldn’t be putting on these wonderful shows. I am so excited for more future shows to come and make new friends and make new “families” every time.
-Arianna D. 

Newsies Jr. was my first show with Aspire PAC and has become one of my favorite musicals to have ever been a part of due to the kind and talented creative team, as well as my welcoming and friendly cast mates. Aspire is a wonderful company and I am looking forward to doing more shows with the company.
-Tyler F. 

Aspire Performing Arts Company is truly one of the best theatre companies I’ve ever worked with. I love being in the Aspire rehearsal room and spending months working with the incredible cast, crew, and production team. Everyone is so nice and Aspire is extremely organized, positive, and provides a fun experience for musical theatre. Aspire is where I met some of my bestest friends and has made an impact on me as a performer and a person. Thank you, Aspire. :)
-Catherine G. 

Aspire has been super fun. The team of directors are kind and supportive. The shows always turn out AMAZING! I leave from rehearsals happy and wanting more. I love doing shows there and always look for the next opportunity to join them again. Thanks, Lisa, for your dedication. Aspire is such a great place because of all you do.
-Zoe R.

I went to Aspire a while ago because I really wanted to do their production of Legally Blonde. It’s been two years and I have done every show in my age range as well as crew for some of the younger shows. If that doesn’t show how big of an impact Aspire has and how amazing of a place it is, I don’t know what else would. I made a family at Aspire and I am so happy I found them. 8 shows and counting!
-Sarah B.
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Aspire is such a rewarding group to perform with and I have had so much fun in every production I’ve been in or seen at Aspire. It has such a supportive and talented atmosphere and community surrounding it and I couldn't be more grateful for. Aspire has helped me grow as an actor and person in incredible ways. The staff is so incredible and I have loved working with everyone.
-Kiera G. 

​Aspire PAC is amazing. The production team, the cast, the crew, the audience, EVERYTHING. It is seriously what community theater should be. Walking into that room for rehearsal you get a sense of family and warm heart welcoming. I’m so grateful to be apart of Aspire PAC and am thankful for everything they have done for me. I have made life long friends with doing something I love.
-Andrew S. 

Puffs was my first show at Aspire and it was a blast! Everyone is so nice and welcoming and I can’t wait to do more shows with this company!
-Nate B.

Aspire PAC is one of the best theatre companies I’ve ever worked with. The staff is amazing and my experiences with them have led me to meeting some great people! It’s such a blessing to be part of their community. 
-Miah A. 

In my first experience at Aspire PAC, I was welcomed with open arms to a rehearsal I had shown up late for. I have never had such a positive theatrical experience than the one I had here. I have done many shows at many different places and no creative team, cast, or crew has made me feel more comfortable and confident in my abilities ever. I plan on coming back and you should plan on joining this family.
-Justice V. 

My first community theatre show was at Aspire, and I’m thankful that it was. Lisa and her team worked professionally, yet offered such a welcoming and family-like environment for me and the entire cast. Working with Aspire has opened my eyes to what the theatre world is like, and has helped me grow as a performer. It’s such a great place to enhance your skills and have fun at the same time!
-Allyson C.

Aspire PAC is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible foundations a young performer can be blessed with. Lisa and her team work incredibly hard to guarantee an outstanding rehearsal experience and an equally incredible show. Every experience I have had at Aspire has benefitted me not only as an actress but also as a person. More than anything, Lisa and the team care about the kids in the program and seeing them grow as individuals. Frankly, the lessons that are taught at Aspire go beyond theatre, and into the much broader field of life. Aspire shows are definitely an experience that everyone should be a part of, at least once in their youth (but I know firsthand, you’ll want to come back more than once).
-Olivia K., Wyckoff, NJ

I just want to say thank you so much for making my first Aspire show truly one to remember. I have never been a part of such a positive and loving theatre company that makes me never want to stop musical theatre. I especially want to thank you for trusting me with a speaking role, despite this being our first time working together. Grease was truly amazing and probably the most fun show I've ever done. It was also incredibly organized, which put me at ease! But again thank you so much for putting on such an amazing show and allowing me to be a part of it. 
-Paige B., West Caldwell, NJ

I found Aspire and Lisa two years ago and have done three shows since then. I have such great experiences every time and am learning so much. I feel welcome and included in this group and I look forward to each new production. 
-Melissa G., Wayne, NJ

Joining Aspire PAC has been an awesome experience! Performing arts is my passion and being around others with the same interests is so exciting! We learn all it takes to put on an amazing show! Thanks to Aspire my acting skills have been stretched, because I've played a variety of characters and have learned to transform myself to fit each role. So, if you love theater, please consider Aspire Performing Arts Company!
-Darren W., Hackensack, NJ

Aspire productions allow me to meet a lot of nice people, do shows I like and work with directors that are very helpful. 
-Anthony P., Parsippany, NJ

I love working with Aspire PAC because it helps me learn to sing and dance. All of the directors are very nice and helpful!
-Allison P., Parsippany, NJ

Lisa and Aspire have been a wonderful addition to my life. I met my best friends there and we all have a great time hanging out and being able to truly express ourselves by doing what we love. I have a thing where every week I make up a new motto. Whenever I'm in the middle of a show with Lisa, it's always the same: Love, Laugh, Live, and most importantly, Aspire!
-Courtney B., Pompton Plains, NJ

I have been in 4 Aspire shows, and have worked with Lisa on many other shows for a long time. As a child who has done 20+ productions, the Aspire productions have always stuck out for me. I always love all the great things I learn, the great people I meet, and of course, Lisa! She is a great role model and will help us with anything, from an audition to our personal lives. The things I have learned at Aspire I could not have learned anywhere else. She taught me the basics all through the more challenging stuff. She always gives everyone the opportunity to shine, and always gave me a good challenge. I look forward to doing several more Aspire productions - and they make me want to do so much more theatre.
-George S., Wayne, NJ

I don’t even know where to begin. I not only love Lisa as an amazing director, but also as a person. She gives all of us this welcoming feeling no matter where we stand her in her lineup, from veterans to rookies, she treats us all the like stars. Lisa has given me a positive experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I feel empty when I am not a part of Lisa’s productions. Lisa is an honestly passionate woman and I feel truly blessed to having the honor of working with her. 
-Valerie P., Wayne, NJ

I have been working with Lisa for the past five years, and each show is another whole new experience. Working with Lisa helped spark my interest in acting, which helped my self-confidence and my work ethic improve. Not only that, but the anti-social kid I was blossomed into a social butterfly, going out of my way to make new friends. Because Lisa helped me improve my skills as an actor, I am now in an award-winning performing arts high school, doing things I've never dreamed of before.
-Emily S., Lincoln Park, NJ

I’ve done four shows with Aspire and can’t wait until the next one! Being part of the plays is so much fun that I am sad when they’re over. Aspire has made me lots of new friends. Aspire has also taught me to deal with the ups and downs of theater, and has taught me no matter what part you get, you’ll always have fun! And just remember: There are no small parts, just small actors! 
-Kyla G., Wayne, NJ  

I have had several experiences with Aspire and I had a blast every time! The cast and crew instantly become a second family. Even as a beginner, I always felt like I was an important part of the cast and Lisa was always there to help me improve my skills. The experiences I've had with Aspire are UNFORGETTABLE and I've made some amazing friends along the way that are always there for me. You DEFINITELY should do the next show at Aspire. It'll be spectacular!
-Jade, Wayne, NJ 

Parent/Audience Testimonials

The instructors at Aspire are experienced professionals who are passionate about teaching and dedicated to nurturing each student's unique talent. They provide personalized feedback and support, creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment.
-Eli L.

This was our daughter's first experience with Aspire PAC, and the experience was next to perfect!!! Professional. Organized. Friendly. Accommodating. Thank you to the entire Aspire team for creating a safe space for our kids to do what they LOVE. 5 STARS ;) Thank you for this wonderful moment!
-Nellie M.
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This is my daughter’s second show with Aspire and honestly after her first show, Mean Girls Jr, I didn’t think it could get any better! Well, we joined in for pilot of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Jr. and my mind was blown! From the experience of the rehearsals to the stage and the final product it was amazing! I can’t say enough! I highly recommend if you are considering signing up you will be very happy too.
-Mary B.
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This Mom is happy to have found Aspire for my 14 year old daughter. I can tell that the production team really care about the children, it’s evidenced each time I picked up my daughter from rehearsal. She was happy, enthusiastic about the upcoming performance, and inspired! I couldn’t ask for a better environment for her. She says everyone there feels like family. Aside from her being able to work on her dream to sing and dance in theater, she also made new like-minded friends. I’m happy to sign her up for another production. We plan to be part of the Aspire family for many years to come. Thanks to everyone at Aspire for cultivating a safe, happy and theatrical learning environment for our kids. 
-Laurie S., Parsippany, NJ
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Working with Aspire is amazing. The team is a great combination of organized and professional but really FUN! They brought out the best in my son. He has been able to reach out of his comfort zone to have experiences he would never have otherwise. It's been wonderful and we look forward to working together again!
-Dana M., Rutherford, NJ

I wanted to thank you and congratulate you on a beautiful weekend of shows. Emma enjoyed every minute of the audition, rehearsal, and performance process at Aspire. She has done many theatre programs throughout the years, and yours is one of the best experiences she has had as a member of a cast. She appreciated your positive spirit and kindness throughout the process. As for the performances, WOW!  The talent blew us all away...the immense talents and skills of the cast, crew and creative team shone through at every moment. It is certainly a tribute to you and your ability to get the best from everyone involved. Your contributions to the youth theatre community are to be commended.
-Elena K., Morristown, NJ 

Thank you for such a wonderful performance and experience for Delilah. My husband and I were truly impressed by the caliber of the shows. The performance AND the performers were amazing. That doesn’t really even justify how wonderful we thought it was. Delilah has been talking about doing an Aspire production for years. My husband & I saw Newsies in its pre-Broadway run at the Paper Mill Playhouse, so it was very cool that this pilot production of Newsies Jr. was her first performance with Aspire. She had a blast and is sad it's over - but looking forward to her next chance to join another Aspire production.
-Christine M., Wayne, NJ 
 
I just wanted to take a moment and thank all that were involved in the production of the play. Really top notch and very enjoyable. My granddaughter was in it and loves what she does. I've never seen a play where everyone, not just two or three, were absolutely FANTASTIC! I mean everyone. You all should be very proud of them and yourselves. I never enjoyed myself as much as I did. Thank you and keep up the great work you do, it's because of people like you the world has hope.
-Henry G., Audience Member/Grandfather

I have struggled with the words to truly convey what Lisa and this theater group have meant to my daughter and our family. Lisa is the first director to see her ability rather than her disability and she has blossomed on the Aspire stage. The entire Aspire company is so welcoming and accepting and caring. The fact that the shows themselves are so fantastic on such a professional level, from the acting, singing and dancing to the costumes and sets, is truly a bonus. As a busy parent I have to also comment on the email reminders re: rehearsals and schedule changes that are so helpful! We are looking forward to our 4th Aspire production this winter and would tell any parent of a budding “theater kid” to give Aspire a try. We are constantly amazed at what Lisa and these kids accomplish!
-Hali G., Wayne, NJ

My son just wrapped his third Aspire production last night, and we are both already missing it.  With Lisa’s encouragement and support, the Aspire kids work tirelessly to put on an amazing show, while forming lasting friendships and making memories to hold close for a lifetime.  There is something very special about “theater kids”—and Lisa and team appreciate and celebrate the uniqueness in each child, which creates an incredible atmosphere of support and encouragement.  My son has learned so much from Aspire and the extremely talented mentors he has met there, and he has become a more confident, assured performer—who loves every minute onstage.  He has thrived from his involvement with Aspire—I could not recommend Lisa and team more highly! 
-Margaret M, Wayne, NJ
 
I highly recommend Aspire PAC to anyone seeking a professional musical theater experience for their child, regardless of whether they are brand new to theater or a seasoned vet. Lisa and her team are passionate professionals who teach and mentor each child and encourage them to bring their A game to every rehearsal and performance. The shows themselves are beautiful with incredibly scenery, music and choreography. There is a tremendous bond amongst the casts of these shows and that says a lot. There are many theater training programs locally, particularly in NYC, but it's wonderful to have something of this caliber right here in Wayne. 
-Beth G., Wayne, NJ

Aspire PAC, under the leadership of Lisa Beth Vettoso, has made an amazing impact on both of my daughters’ lives. Lisa is an inspiring director, teacher, and role model, as noted by an incredible bond that forms among the cast due to her leadership. In fact, there is rarely a dry eye as each production comes to a close. As we were leaving the cast party after the closing of one of the shows, my younger daughter commented, “There is a big hole in my life now,” while my older daughter optimistically said, “Only 56 days until auditions!” Theater has transformed my older daughter from a shy little girl to a friendly and confident young lady, while it has productively harnessed the energy of my younger one. Thank you, Lisa.
-Andrea P., Wayne, NJ

My son has had the most amazing experience working with Aspire Performing Arts Company. He has performed in over 5 shows under Lisa and CJ’s magnificent direction over the past 3 years. He started in the ensemble and then moved into lead roles that has built up his confidence and stage presence. Thank you to everyone at Aspire for providing their continual inspiration and support. I highly recommend Aspire Performing Arts Company! They are a wonderful group of people who really interact with the children while providing a fun and supportive environment.
-Vicki T., Wayne, NJ

I believe it's the job of fathers to make their daughters happy. 
Here's how I do it:
Step 1) Sign them up for an Aspire show
Step 2) Let them sing loudly in my car to & from rehearsals
Step 3) Go to shows, give standing ovations, take to ice cream
Repeat.
Important: In the event of tween-crankiness in between shows, simply play DVD's of previous Aspire Shows and provide lightly salted popcorn.
-Dave H., Wayne, NJ

Both of my children have been involved with Aspire productions over the past few years. I have seen them develop self-confidence, lasting friendships, and a true love of theater while working with Lisa and her staff at Aspire. Each performance is a joy to watch and brings out the best of each cast member! My whole family can't wait until the next one!
-Linda G., Wayne, NJ 

Words cannot express what this experience has given Lauren. Thank you, so very much, for the support, for the encouragement, for the unconditional love that she has been a part of these past few years. It is because of you, and the amazing Aspire group, that my daughter believes that she can accomplish anything that she sets her mind to. I brought you a self conscious little girl who didn't think that she could ever be on stage. Her experience with Aspire has transformed her into a confident young woman, now readily accepting any opportunities that life may offer to her. Thank you for a truly priceless gift!
-Dana D., Wayne, NJ

Our experience with Aspire has been so rewarding. My daughter has grown and learned so much with their help. Aspire shows are always professional and they always seem to have an amazing cast with lots of hard working people. Most of all, it's a true bonding experience for these kids to work together for so many weeks. They have so much fun together! We look forward to each new show with anticipation. Thank you, Lisa and staff, for the amazing things you do.
-Deb A., Lincoln Park, NJ